Dumandan seeks back-to-back title at Sherwood

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from a three-shot romp in Baguio, Marvin Dumandan exudes confidence as he heads to Sherwood Hills in Cavite this week for the P2.5 million ICTSI Sherwood Hills Classic, the third leg of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour unfolding Wednesday.

Dumandan rallied with a closing 64 and pounced on Carl Santos-Ocampo’s meltdown to clinch the ICTSI Camp John Hay crown and end a long title drought that stretched back to late 2010 when he scored back-to-back victories at ICTSI Royal Northwoods and ICTSI Mimosa.

“It has been a long struggle but this win should boost my confidence as we head to Sherwood,” said the long-hitting Dumandan, who had two runner-up finishes at ICTSI Eastridge and Aboitiz Invitational in a winless campaign on the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit last year.

What makes the upcoming leg doubly inspiring for the 32-year-old Davaoeño shotmaker is the fact that he won there two years ago, beating a stellar field to kick off a three-title romp in 2010.

But he expects to face a formidable challenge this week with Santos-Ocampo hoping to come out stronger after that final round fold-up in Baguio and a host of others gearing up for one of the richest legs on the 16-stage circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

“I’m going to take a lot of positive out of this experience,” said Santos-Ocampo after settling for runner-up finish in Baguio. “Playing in the championship flight is definitely different compared to just playing a normal round of golf. There are more people watching, more cameras, more noise which require you even more to stay within yourself and be calm. But this is only my second year as a pro and I’ve had a couple of opportunities to contend. It can only get better.”

Meanwhile, the leading pros test the wind-raked, challenging par-72 layout on Tuesday as they team up with officials and guests of the event’s chief backers in the pro-am tournament.

Others seeing action in the event, backed by Nike Golf, Callaway, Titleist, Srixon, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno and Foot Joy with support from Event Captain, Inc., Omnisource Int’l. TPGAP and media partners Balls, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Pinoygolfer.com and Impact, are Joenard Rates, Clyde Mondilla, Ferdie Aunzo, Randy Garalde, Elmer Saban, Jerson Balasabas, Roel Banares, Terence Macatangay, Jun Bernis, Mhark Fernando and Gerald Rosales.